Why use a Newsprint Pick up in Gelatin Printing?

gelatin print tips / /

What the heck is a Newsprint Pick up?

I am glad you asked. I use the term newsprint pick up a lot, when I talk about  printmaking on the glycerin and gelatin plate.

Use a newsprint pick up for glycerin plate monotype prints by linda germain
Use a newsprint pick up for glycerin plate monotype prints

I simply place newsprint over the gelatin to pick up unwanted plate ink.  I don’t rub with the newsprint.  I just lay it down flat and burnish with my hand.  I do this over and over again with clean newsprint to pick up unwanted ink. You could use copy paper or other inexpensive paper to do the job.

The purpose of the newsprint pick up is to increase the contrast of your marks.  It is a process, that you can use or choose not to use when making monotype prints.  It gives you options.  I gives you some control over an unpredictable process.

Steps to using a newsprint pick up:

  1. Pull your shaped impression.  This skill affects the detailed impression
  2. Leave the stencils in place
  3. Try not to move them
  4. Place the newsprint on top of the stencils
  5. Burnish with your hand
  6. Again try not to move the stencils
  7. Repeat this as many times as necessary to remove the unwanted plate ink.

You did it!

  • Then remove the stencils
  • Pull your detailed impression

You should see a difference like the prints below.  The monotype print on the right is a detailed impression without a newsprint pick up and the one on the left is with the newsprint pick-up.

2 monotype prints - left has newsprint pick up and increased contrast - Linda Germain
2 monotype prints – left has newsprint pick up and increased contrast – Linda Germain

Check the current workshop list for a class that would interest you.

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31 Monotype prints – a daily printmaking practice

Gelatin plate print / /

Monotype print by Linda Germain on the glycerin plate

I did it!  I made and shared a print a day for the Month of May.  I benefited from this daily printmaking practice.  Some of my take aways:

  • Done is better than perfect
  • Action has magic, power and grace
  • Celebrate the little successes
  • It is ok to explore limited themes, colors or marks
  • Daily doing builds “muscles”

If you would benefit from the daily practice then check out the current workshops that are being offered.

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Making the background of my monotype prints first

monotype print / /
Work parts of the plate a different times. - Monotype print by Linda Germain
Work parts of the plate a different times. – Monotype print by Linda Germain

Today, I did begin printing with a bit of of plan.  I started with my light colors and made some textured backgrounds that still had some white in them.  I worked up 5 or 6 sheets of paper and then went to my focus figure.  I used the dark blue but
still only worked part of the plate.

I did not leave marks on the plate.  If there was a very light impression left then I picked it up with a clean sheet of paper.  Often this light layers, or partial pick ups create an interesting print.

Pull lots of prints to get one you like - linda germain
Pull lots of prints to get one you like – linda germain

 

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Loosely painted monotype flower print

monotype print / /
painted monotype by linda germain
painted monotype by linda germain

I used the createx monotype colors today.  They are the consistency of acrylic paint.  They are easy to apply with a brush.   I decided to be loose and just have fun with it.

I sometimes wonder why people do painted monotypes.  I like the secondary ghost prints.  I like how I can use the left over ink to continue to work the image.  I like the way the brush mark is captured in the impression.

Have you played with the painted monotype?

We will introduce this process in the next session of Make Monotypes. Check out the details here.

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Simple shapes can make powerful prints

stencil print / /
Simple shape print with grass as a masking stencil - linda germain
Simple shape print with grass as a masking stencil – linda germain

I gathered some grasses on my walk today.  I often work back and forth between using too many and not enough elements in a print.  I like the experimentation and the willingness to see what happens.

Just a few more days until the summer session of Make Monotypes starts. I am looking forward to 6 weeks of  exploring with new printmakers from all over the world.  If you want to join us check out the details here.

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